Xiaomi Mix 4 vs Asus ROG Phone 5s: A Detailed Comparison of Flagship Androids

The Xiaomi Mix 4 and Asus ROG Phone 5s represent distinct approaches to the flagship Android experience. The Mix 4 aims for a sleek, all-screen design with cutting-edge charging, while the ROG Phone 5s prioritizes raw gaming performance and features. Both utilize the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888+ 5G, but their implementations and surrounding features diverge significantly, making a direct comparison crucial for discerning buyers.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing a balanced experience with incredibly fast charging, the Xiaomi Mix 4 is a compelling choice. However, the Asus ROG Phone 5s emerges as the clear winner for mobile gamers, offering a superior thermal solution and gaming-centric features that justify its focus.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi Mix 4 Asus ROG Phone 5s
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 - Version 1
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 421, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66, 71 - Version 1
5G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub61, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA - Version 1
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (7CA) Cat20 1400/150 Mbps, 5G 4 Gbps DL
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO 2, 3, 5, 7, 12, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA - Version 4
Launch
Announced2021, August 102021, August 16
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, August 16Available. Released 2021, August 26
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), ceramic back, aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame
Dimensions162.6 x 75.4 x 8 mm (6.40 x 2.97 x 0.31 in)172.8 x 77.3 x 9.9 mm (6.80 x 3.04 x 0.39 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight225 g (7.94 oz)238 g (8.40 oz)
 IP53, dust and splash resistantRGB light panel (on the back) Pressure sensitive zones (Gaming triggers)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass VictusCorning Gorilla Glass Victus
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)1080 x 2448 pixels (~395 ppi density)
Size6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.78 inches, 109.5 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 800 nits (HBM)AMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+, 800 nits (typ), 1200 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.99 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x2.99 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888+ 5G (5 nm)Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888+ 5G (5 nm)
GPUAdreno 660Adreno 660
OSAndroid 11, MIUI 12.5Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, ROG UI
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 18GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single20 MP, 27mm (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm, under display-
Triple108 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.33", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/4.1, 120mm (periscope telephoto), PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom 13 MP, f/2.2, 12mm, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, PDAF 13 MP, f/2.4, 11mm, 125˚ (ultrawide) 5 MP (macro)
Video8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/480fps; gyro-EIS, HDR10+8K@30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, 720p@480fps; gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRPanorama, HDR
Single20 MP, 27mm (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm, under display24 MP, f/2.5, 27mm (wide), 0.9µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoYes
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers (2 amplifiers)
 24-bit/192kHz audio Tuned by Harman Kardon24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
Infrared portYes-
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5)GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 3.1 (side), USB Type-C 2.0 (bottom), OTG, accessory connector
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
 Ultra Wideband (UWB) support-
Battery
Charging120W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 100% in 15 min 50W wireless, 100% in 28 min65W wired, PD3.0, QC5, 70% in 30 min, 100% in 52 min 10W reverse wired
TypeLi-Po 4500 mAhLi-Po 6000 mAh
Misc
ColorsCeramic Black, Ceramic White, Shadow GrayPhantom Black, Storm White
Models2106118CZS676KS
PriceAbout 660 EURAbout 1030 EUR

Xiaomi Mix 4

  • Incredibly fast 120W wired charging
  • Bezel-less design with under-display camera
  • Sleek and modern aesthetic
  • Potentially superior camera image processing

  • Under-display camera may compromise display quality
  • Lacks gaming-specific features
  • No reverse wireless charging

Asus ROG Phone 5s

  • Superior thermal management for sustained gaming
  • Gaming-centric features like AirTriggers
  • Likely higher refresh rate display
  • Potentially larger battery capacity

  • Slower 65W charging
  • Less refined design compared to the Mix 4
  • Camera may be less emphasized

Display Comparison

Both devices feature a 6.67-inch AMOLED display, but their approaches differ. While specific refresh rates aren't provided, the ROG Phone 5s is explicitly geared towards gaming, suggesting a higher refresh rate (likely 144Hz) for smoother visuals. The Mix 4's under-display camera offers a truly bezel-less experience, a design advantage. However, this technology can sometimes impact display quality; the ROG Phone 5s' traditional notch or punch-hole design likely results in more consistent brightness and color accuracy. The absence of LTPO information for either device means we can't assess dynamic refresh rate capabilities for power saving.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed sensor information, a direct camera comparison is limited. However, Xiaomi typically emphasizes camera capabilities in its flagship devices. The Mix 4 likely features a more versatile camera system with a focus on image processing and computational photography. The ROG Phone 5s, while capable, prioritizes other features, suggesting a less emphasized camera experience. The absence of information regarding OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on either device makes it difficult to assess low-light performance and video stabilization capabilities.

Performance

Both phones are powered by the Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888+ 5G (5 nm) with an identical CPU configuration – a Cortex-X1 prime core, three A78 performance cores, and four A55 efficiency cores. This means raw processing power will be nearly identical. The ROG Phone 5s, however, benefits from a more robust cooling system designed to sustain peak performance for longer durations during demanding gaming sessions. While both likely utilize LPDDR5 RAM, the ROG Phone 5s’ thermal management is the key differentiator, preventing the Snapdragon 888+ from throttling as quickly under sustained load.

Battery Life

The Xiaomi Mix 4 boasts a significant charging advantage with its 120W wired charging, capable of a full charge in just 15 minutes. This is substantially faster than the ROG Phone 5s’ 65W charging, which takes over 50 minutes for a full charge. While the ROG Phone 5s offers 10W reverse wired charging, the Mix 4 lacks this feature. The actual battery capacity isn't specified, but the Mix 4's faster charging mitigates the impact of a potentially smaller battery, allowing for quick top-ups throughout the day. The ROG Phone 5s likely has a larger battery to support extended gaming sessions.

Buying Guide

Buy the Xiaomi Mix 4 if you need a sleek, modern design, the fastest charging speeds available (120W wired, 50W wireless), and a more conventional smartphone experience. Buy the Asus ROG Phone 5s if you prioritize uncompromising gaming performance, extended gaming sessions without throttling, and features like AirTriggers and a high refresh rate display optimized for gaming.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 888+ in the ROG Phone 5s overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Snapdragon 888+ is known to generate heat, the ROG Phone 5s incorporates a significantly more robust cooling system – including vapor chambers and potentially external fan accessories – designed to mitigate thermal throttling and maintain peak performance for extended gaming periods. This is a key advantage over the Mix 4.
❓ How does the 120W charging of the Xiaomi Mix 4 affect battery health over the long term?
Xiaomi employs intelligent charging algorithms and safety mechanisms to minimize the impact of 120W charging on battery health. While fast charging can theoretically accelerate battery degradation, these technologies aim to optimize the charging process and prevent overcharging, extending the battery's lifespan.
❓ Is the under-display camera on the Xiaomi Mix 4 noticeable during normal use?
The visibility of the under-display camera on the Mix 4 varies depending on the content displayed and viewing angle. While Xiaomi has made significant advancements in this technology, some users may notice a slight distortion or screen door effect in certain scenarios, particularly with bright backgrounds.
❓ Does the Asus ROG Phone 5s support high frame rate gaming (90fps or higher) in popular titles like PUBG Mobile?
Yes, the ROG Phone 5s, with its high refresh rate display and powerful Snapdragon 888+ chipset, is capable of supporting high frame rate gaming (90fps or higher) in many popular titles like PUBG Mobile, provided the game settings are configured accordingly. The phone's gaming-specific optimizations further enhance this experience.